EM Coffee House, a Vietnamese-style cafe launched by Nick and Li Truong, is one of several new restaurants set to open at Zion Market’s recently relocated site at 8304 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
The grocery store reopened earlier this year, and the owner says the first wave of eateries is expected to begin opening in August 2025, with additional concepts rolling out over the next two years, according to San Diego Magazine. The project has been years in the making, with Kevin Hwang and his family steadily working to bring a more dynamic dining experience to the area. Joining EM Coffee in the lineup are Marugame Udon, Fika Fika ice cream, Pepper Lunch, and Chagee Tea House—a fast-growing beverage brand that Hwang calls “the next Starbucks.” The new EM Coffee is expected to open in Winter 2025.
Some previously announced names, including Dot + Dough, Tang Japanese BBQ, and Bafang Dumpling, are no longer part of the project. Hwang is now working on new additions, including a burger concept in collaboration with Eggslut founder Alvin Cailan. EM Coffee will feature a menu centered around Vietnamese iced coffee, espresso drinks, and specialty teas, with offerings like phin-brewed coffee, pandan cold foam, and ube lattes. Light food items such as banh mi and pastries will also be available. The company’s first location opened in November 2024 at 8945 Mira Mesa Blvd.
The cafe will focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offer a mix of traditional and modern flavors. Once all the restaurants are open, Zion Market will move into its third and final phase: a 25,000-square-foot rooftop food hall and speakeasy cocktail bar designed by Michael Soriano (Realm of the 52 Remedies) and James Denton Design. The relocated Zion Market continues to grow Kearny Mesa’s reputation as a destination for diverse and dynamic dining. While the addition will be an exciting part of Zion Market, this is just the beginning for EM Coffee, which is already teasing a third location coming soon on the company’s website. Potential landing spots include UTC, Fashion Valley, and Mission Valley.
